Unusual animals are a hit with garden centre customers

RABBITS, lizards, snakes and a giant tortoise were among the animals on display at Hare Hatch

RABBITS, lizards, snakes and a giant tortoise were among the animals on display at Hare Hatch Sheeplands on Saturday.

They were part of Quirks’ Animal Roadshow, which visited the garden centre for customers to see and handle. Among the most popular creatures with children were a 16-year-old tortoise called Austin and a 7kg rabbit named Peter.

The roadshow is run by Luke Quirk and his father Paul, of Peppard Road, Emmer Green. Mr Quirk Jnr said another hit was a Saharan lizard. “I have to keep it at a minimum temperature of 32C so that it doesn’t get too cold,” he said.

“Strangely they don’t really need to drink much water because in the desert they get enough from the vegetables they eat.” Hare Hatch Sheeplands owner Rob Scott said: “Our customers always enjoy a visit from Luke and his wonderful collection of creatures. It is both instructional and fun.”